Experiencing the Rio Olympics in San Francisco

It may not look like an obvious place to catch Olympic fever, but Minas Brazilian Restaurant on Franklin street in San Francisco, is just that kind of local gem. As one walks in, the bright yellow walls and gorgeous mural-like paintings instantly transport us to the tropics of Brazil.  Our senses  zoom into overdrive. The scent of the food ignites every taste bud, not to mention the sight of the menu with tantalizing and exotic choices.   Coxinhas- lightly fried croquettes filled with chicken and fresh herbs, Bolitho de Bacalhau-lightly fried croquettes made of minced salted cod fish mixed with potato and fresh herbs, and Mandioca Frita- Yucca fries served Minas special sauce are just a  few of the mouth watering selections. Then there are the drinks, the famous Caipirinhas are a must have. The owners also take great pride in offering what they describe as a wide selection of cachacas, providing a rare opportunity to "explore the breadth and width of Brazil's unique, signature spirit."

Soft brazilian music plays in the background, yet what caught my eye as my two friends and I sat down after yoga and meditation at the nearby Mindfulness Care Center, were the images of the USA men's Olympic team on the television above the bar. Draymond Green in his white USA jersey signing autographs, flashing that familiar smile and Kevin Durant solidifying his top dog status.  Images of the stadiums, the beaches, glorious scenery, the music and dance troops rehearsing for their big days ahead at the XXX1 Olympic games. There is an air of enthusiasm everywhere, but here among Brazilians in the city by the bay, there is also caution and a little fear. Our server Tairo explains it simply, "We all want our cities to shine in the spotlight," he says, "but we are worried because so much can go wrong. I'm afraid that something bad is going to happen. Unfortunately there is a great deal of corruption in our government and things aren't always as they appear."
The same could be said for the Olympics as a whole. It all started with the Zika virus and top athletes vowing out. Reports from Rio this week have been mixed. Of course there was the scene made by the Australian delegation who refused to move into the Olympic village due to unsanitary conditions, but then we've also seen and heard positive comments about the beauty and generosity of the host country. Perhaps nobody has summed up the olympic experience better than tennis great Serena Williams.  "It's always special to be here," said Williams who at 34 is looking to add to her four gold medals. "When I held my first gold medal, it was a feeling that I never expected," explained the defending champ. "There are so many great athletes from across the globe competing in every sport. I appreciate and truly enjoy my gold medals more than other trophies."
As the opening ceremonies kick-off, America's flag will be carried by none other than the winningest olympic athlete in US history, Michael Phelps.  This choice doesn't come without controversy. The 18 gold medal winner has faced harsh criticism for not one, but two DUI convictions in his 12 year Olympic career. Now at 31, Phelps is embracing his new found commitment coming out of retirement. He is sober, engaged and recently became a father. "To have the opportunity to lead our country into this Olympics is a dream come true," said Phelps. Despite the critics contentions that Phelps isn't the right person to carry the flag, his teammates disagree. :it feels so right," explains Missy Franklin, a four-time gold medalist and former Cal swimmer. "To have the most decorated Olympian, who -outside the pool- has overcome so much, and shared that with everyone and shown people what an inspiration he is, that's what USA is all about."
And that's what the Olympics are all about, and nobody will be cheering harder than the people of Brazil, including the staff, owners and visitors at Minas Brazilian Restaurant who can just want to say Obrigada! (thank you)

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  9.00
• Bolinho de Bacalhau – Lightly fried croquettes made of minced salted cod fish mixed with potato and fresh herbs$10.00
• Mandioca Frita – Yucca fries served with Minas special sauce$8.00
• Filet com Fritas – Tender sautéed fillet of beef and onions served with fries$14.00
• Frango a Passarinho – Chicken marinated in lemon pepper and salt, sautéed in garlic and parsley$12.00
• Lula Brasileiro – Fried calamari served with a garlic fresh herbs and lemon sauce$12.00
• Mexilhões Negros - Black mussels sautéed in olive oil with lemon, garlic, tomatoes and white wine served with bread.$14.00
• Camarao Flambado na Cachaça – Shrimp sautéed with Brazilian spices and flamed with cachaça$14.00
• Torresmo de Barriga - Pork Belly Mina’s style, marinated overnight, slow roasted, then seared to get a crispy crackling with sweet tender meat

• Coxinhas – Lightly fried croquettes filled with chicken and fresh herbs$9.00
• Bolinho de Bacalhau – Lightly fried croquettes made of minced salted cod fish mixed with potato and fresh herbs$10.00
• Mandioca Frita – Yucca fries served with Minas special sauce$8.00
• Filet com Fritas – Tender sautéed fillet of beef and onions served with fries$14.00
• Frango a Passarinho – Chicken marinated in lemon pepper and salt, sautéed in garlic and parsley$12.00
• Lula Brasileiro – Fried calamari served with a garlic fresh herbs and lemon sauce$12.00
• Mexilhões Negros - Black mussels sautéed in olive oil with lemon, garlic, tomatoes and white wine served with bread.$14.00
• Camarao Flambado na Cachaça – Shrimp sautéed with Brazilian spices and flamed with cachaça$14.00
• Torresmo de Barriga - Pork Belly Mina’s style, marinated overnight, slow roasted, then seared to get a crispy crackling with sweet tender meat